Two people are watching a duck race in a park. Three yellow rubber ducks are in a white container floating in the water. In the background, there is a yellow and white striped tent, a white van, and a crowd of people.
family_friendly

Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Helena's Buck Creek Festival

Annual rubber duck race down the dam and waterfall.

About

Helena's Buck Creek Festival is a beloved annual event featuring live music, a thrilling rubber duck race, and a vibrant vendor market. Families can enjoy dedicated children's activities while exploring unique crafts and diverse food options from across the Southeast. This community-focused festival supports local charities.

Our Take

Scare Factor

๐Ÿ‘ป โšช โšช โšช โšช (1/5)

Family Friendly

๐Ÿ‘ถ ๐Ÿ‘ถ ๐Ÿ‘ถ ๐Ÿ‘ถ ๐Ÿ‘ถ (5/5)

Best For

Families and community members

Vibe

Festive and community-oriented

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tags

family friendlycommunity eventfall festivalfood trucks

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

Helena, AL

Event Details

Duration

Friday: 6PM-10PM, Saturday: 10AM-8PM

Ages

Family-friendly

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Helena's Buck Creek Festival

Practical Information

Parking

FREE shuttle service available from the Sports Complex.

Pet Policy

No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Food & Drink

Wide variety of delectable cuisine from food vendors.

Tips & Advice

  • Take advantage of the free shuttle service from the Sports Complex to easily access the festival grounds and avoid parking hassles.
  • Purchase an all-day armband for $10 for children to ensure they have unlimited access to the dedicated kids' activity area.
  • Arrive early on Saturday to explore the vendor market before the main music lineup begins and enjoy the widest selection.
  • Check the music lineup in advance to plan your visit around your favorite local and regional artists.
  • Bring cash for vendor purchases, as not all artisans may accept card payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the festival hours?

The festival runs on Friday from 6 PM to 10 PM and on Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Are pets allowed at the festival?

Sorry, no pets are allowed, with the exception of service animals.

What is the cost for children's activities?

Armbands for the children's area are $10 per child for all-day access.

Where can I find information about vendors?

Vendor packets and guidelines can be downloaded from the festival website, though food vendor sign-ups are closed for 2025.

How does the duck race work?

Thousands of rubber ducks are released from the dam, racing down the waterfall into nets, with expert 'duck wranglers' managing the event.

Nearby Places (2 total)

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 11, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team

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